ABSTRACT
The negative impacts of climate change on human health and the environment are well-known. Human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), are the primary cause of climate change and its consequences. While the carbon footprint of industries like electricity and transportation has long been recognised, the healthcare sector’s contribution to climate change has only gained attention recently, with studies indicating that the health sector alone accounts for around 5 per cent of national carbon footprints.
Some countries, like the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, have committed to achieving a net zero healthcare system by 2045. To achieve a net zero healthcare system, it is crucial to consider the changing healthcare needs, advancements in medical technologies, and focus on patient pathways rather than facilities, prioritising primary care and avoiding unnecessary treatments. This paper discusses opportunities for the reduction of GHG emissions and models to estimate the GHG impact of care pathways.
